A highly detailed and specialised study of the Theorodokia, the hosts of ambassadors and the announcers of Greek festivals, and the many inscriptions which refer to them. Perlman discusses the origins and development of the Theorodokia, their symbolic and religious status and duties as well as the political and diplomatic aspects of the role. Chapters also consider the qualifiationsm, duties and appointments, the Theodokoi for Olympia, Epidaurus and many other festivals and games which drew the Greek world together. Includes a lengthy catalogue of the prosopographic evidence without English translation.